Our Beloved Sasha

[spoiledbabies3]

Our world collapsed on Jan 4 when our beloved Sasha was diagnosed
with Lymphoma. On Feb 3 at 6:55 PM she lost her battle with the
dreaded disease. She left this world enroute to the Rainbow Bridge
surrounded by her loving family.

She woke up Friday morning very lethargic and I knew in my heart
when she declined her favorite morning meal and treats that we were
headed downhill. Throughout the day she had difficulty breathing
and couldn't hold up her body weight, her legs were so rubbery.
Stoic and strong to the end, her youngest human sister coaxed her
into going outside to the bathroom and getting a drink of water.
She gulped down the water because she was so very thirsty and being
on pred made this more distinct. Enroute back to her bed she
stopped, apparently lost in her own home. With the help of her
daddy, she regained her cognizance, but we knew in our hearts it was
time to help her cross over. We stayed with her all day, enriched
and encouraged by her unending love and attempt to help us get
through this. Her rottie brothers never left her side, extremely
patient with her all day (and this is extremely unusual for both of
them). She talked with them (always a talker, even to the end)and I
think she helped them to understand that they need to help mommy and
daddy get through this difficult time. They have both stepped up
the plate like real troopers. Our old man who will be 11 in April
hasn't let me out of his sight. He used to sleep hard all night long
because Sasha was the baby that was awae of all noises, yet last
night, our first night without her, I checked on him several times
in the night (habit from always checking on her) and he raised his
head each and every time. He wanted me to know that he understood
and he's there whenever I need him. Our baby boy who just turned
5 (who she raised from a pup even though he was a rescue not her
own) slept with me and has cuddled me all night and all morning
today. He is trying to continue the nurturing quality she always
had with her family. God Bless You Sasha for helping us through
this!

Always a Daddy's girl, she was carried like a queen into the vets
office. With kindess and understanding, he allowed us all the time
we needed to say our good-byes. We feel extremely fortunate that
she stayed with us all day. She gave us the unending love we needed
to feel for our memories. In turn, we returned the same
unconditional love as we helped her into her final sleep so that she
could leave this world in dignity. I am so grateful that I had
taken some time off work this week and I was with her on Thursday.
We spent the day together doing all of her favorite things. She sat
next to me while I studied or sewed and just nuzzled me all day
long. Her daddy had been out of town on a business trip and she
literally RAN to him when he returned that evening. She was full of
spunk and delight...almost like the teenager we remember from so
many years ago. She slept next to her daddy that night (her
favorite spot) and even when she went outside at 3 AM, she still
seemed her own self. But when she awoke at 8:00...everything had
changed.

One of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make was the
one to let her go. She captured my heart so many years ago...and it
just didn't seem possible that her time with me was ending. My
solid rock until the very end. Not once did she ever question our
decision. She talked with me all the way to the vets office. She
cuddled, loved and kissed me as if our hearts were talking to each
other. As tears rolled down my face, she kissed them away. We
surrounded her on all sides as she gently went to sleep. Checking
for her heartbeat, our gentle vet said she was still with us. I
gently whispered in her ear that it was okay to go...and she did.

My heart feels as if it has a hole in in that will never be repaired
but I know that she no longer suffers. She isn't in any pain and
she doesn't have the dreaded cancer anymore. She is flying with the
angels and it's wierd...but last night it's almost as if I could
feel her laying against my back as she always did while I laid in
the floor. I even had to turn over to realize she wasn't. I hope
that was her way of letting me know that she is okay now.

Fly with the angels my sweet baby girl. You deserve the best.
Godspeed Sasha! We will always love you and miss you.

Arlene
Mommy to Samson and Moses
Forever Mommy to Sasha (1998-2006) and Tuxedo (1990-2001)

[Rottlva]

I'm so, so sorry...Your feelings for your special girl echo through out your note. Rest in peace sweet Sasha

[BruizerGypsy]

I feel your pain, and wish you all comfort. Thanks for your thoughts for us as well.

[StephanieandToby]

Your post really shows the love and devotion you had for your dog...I am so sorry for your loss.

[Mochasmom]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I just lost my girl to lymphoma in september at 7 years old. It still hurts.

Again, I am so very sorry.

Keri

[observer]

What a lovely tribute. I am so sorry for your loss.

[JuneyB]

Such a beautiful tribute to Sasha.....may she find peace. And keep with you those memories....your love for your animals shines thru in your note. Sincere condolences.

[Ninasmom]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your unselfish act was a beautiful tribute to her grace and beauty.

[rottgirl]

I am so sorry for your loss, what a touching tribute to Sasha. I lost my first girl June 3, 2004 to lymphoma. She is now pain free, flying with the angles and making a lot of new friends.

Take comfort in knowing she is now your guardian angel

RIP sweet Sasha
No regrets she went out with dignity

Michele

[ChopperToo]

I'm so sorry for your loss.Sasha sounds like she was a very special girl.I feel your pain.God speed Sasha.

Barbara

[MissingTalon]

That is so sad, I am so sorry.

[szky]

Your words paint a wonderful picture of the companion Sasha was to your family.

Godspeed Sasha

[TR Young]

There is no doubt. The love that your family shared with Sasha is the kind of love that any animal should be so lucky to enjoy in their time on this earth. I would like to thank you for the love that you showed to Sasha at the time when she needed her dignity the most. May peace and loving memories rush in for you and your family.
Godspeed, Sasha.

[tilly]

our hearts go out to you and your family. RIP sasha.

[spoiledbabies3]

We would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts to each and everyone that is helping us through this time of grief. Our hearts will take a long time to mend but we know that our sweet Sasha is finally frolicking carefree among the angels. She will always be a part of our family and we hope our strong loving memories of her will guide us as we face each tomorrow.

Each daily routine is full of challenges. She was such a big part of the day and I didn't even realize it until she wasn't there anymore. It feels wierd to prepare dinner for only 2 and not hear the snorting and see her attempting to jump up just a little to get a better sniff (or try to steal a bit...which she liked to do).

We are trying...really trying. We hope that we have the courage and stamina to help our rottie boys get through this. Each day gets a little easier, but I have setbacks too. When I see her favorite things...like her favorite place to nap or her bed and blanket....it just causes my eyes to well up with tears. As they roll down my cheeks I try to remember that she is still with us...just in spirit now not in physical body. It's hard because I loved the tangible body...but life has many ups and downs and the curve ball we have been dealt hurts a lot.

You have been lifesavers. Our lives have changed forever, but knowing there are others who loved their babies as much as we did her has helped us to know that there will be a day when the rainbow will shine again.

Fly high and strong sweet girl! Your mommy and daddy really miss you dearly. Know that we will always love you and the special piece of our hearts you captured will give us strength to endure the pain we feel right now. We will see you at the bridge one day. Give Tuxedo lots of kisses and hugs and let him know we miss him too!